Final preparations are being made before the cast of Water Babies make a splash with their debut.

The world premiere of the new musical will hit the stage this month at Curve in Leicester with home grown star Lauren Samuels playing a leading role.

The former Concordia Youth Theatre performer will join Louise Dearman, Thomas Milner and Tom Lister for the new musical, inspired by Charles Kingsley’s classic novel.

Lauren, who made her professional stage debut at Curve, will play Ellie.

She said: “We are in our third week of rehearsals now and have just completed Act 1 and are moving onto Act 2.

“All the cast are getting on really well and we are tweaking the script and adding and taking away bits. It’s taking a lot of preparation because the show uses a lot of special effects and there are people riding on scooters and skateboard that need to practice on them.

“It’s been great to be a part of the creative process - usually I have just taken over a role.”

The show is being directed by Ed Curtis, with music by Chris Egan, and book and lyrics by Ed Curtis and Guy Jones,

The story focuses on Tom, an orphaned teenage hero, who is framed for a crime he didn’t commit. He gets trapped on the edge of a waterfall and his only choice is to jump. He finds himself in the depths of the ocean and faces an exciting adventure in order to get back to his love, Ellie.

Lauren said she is really looking forward to living close to home. She added: “We will do eight shows a week but we get Sundays off so I will definitely be going home so my mum can make me a roast and do my washing.

“I think everyone should come along and watch the show. I think audiences will be gobsmacked. The special effects are so amazing. I can’t believe they are able to bring them to the stage.”

The show will open on May 6, with previews from the April 24, and will run until May 17. For more information or to book tickets visit www.curveonline.co.uk